David Lee Will Be a New York Knick Next Season

Addressing all Knick Fans across the globe: David Lee will be a Knick for the 2009-2010 season. Lee, a restricted free agent, has been a fan favorite for his blue collar style of play, and it looks like he will continue to be playing in front of the best fans in the world.

Rumors had been swirling that the Knicks had offered Lee a four-year deal worth roughly $32 million, while other rumors were linking the Memphis Grizzlies preparing to give Lee a contract in excess of $50 million.

But all these rumors can be put to rest because the market for David Lee's services has decreased significantly. The five NBA teams with significant cap room this offseason are the Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies, Portland Trailblazers, Oklahoma City Thunder and the Toronto Raptors.

Detroit Pistons

They had over $20 million in cap space but used it quickly, signing forward Charlie Villanueva and guard Ben Gordon. Detroit was thought to be a good fit, but with the signing of these two, Lee will definitely not be a Piston.

Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis was rumored to be preparing an offer in excess of $50 million for Lee, but the Grizzlies owner, Michael Heisley, stopped management from pulling off the move. The Grizzlies later acquired Lee's former teammate, Zach Randolph, for Lee's other former teammate, Quentin Richardson.

Now, with the Grizzlies having a stacked frontcourt with the addition of Randolph, there's no need for Lee.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder definitely have interest in Lee, but the asking price might be to much for their young team. They seem to have their attention on a cheaper player, such as Paul Millsap. Millsap has a similar game to Lee, but without that high of a price-tag so OKC is an option, but not a likely one.

Portland Trailblazer

The Blazers have loved Lee for a while, but seem to love Hedo Turkoglu a little more. Look for the Blazers to snatch up Hedo. Plus, Lee would be playing behind Greg Oden and LaMarcus Aldridge, which wouldn't be to much fun. Ask Channing Frye.

Toronto Raptors

They might be the dark horse in the Lee sweepstakes. They also have Turkoglu as their first option and, if they can't get Turkoglu, look for them to try to snatch up Lee. A lineup of Jose Calderon, DeMar DeRozan, Andrea Bargnani, David Lee, and Chris Bosh might excite Toronto fans, and convince Chris Bosh to stay with the team.

Lee has become the face of the franchise. He's a class act and has been nothing but productive during his tenure here. With the economy in a bad state, look for Lee to except the Knicks offer.

He loves New York and the attention that comes with it. Another major reason for him wanting to stay in New York is his model girlfriend, Sabina Gadecki, who lives in New York. So, look for Lee in a Knick uniform this upcoming season.

And, David, speaking on behalf of Knick Fans, we're happy to have you back!